Parish Church of:

Lanivet

The church (name unknown) is an ancient building of stone, in the Early Perpendicular style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, south porch and an embattled western tower containing 6 bells; there is an altar tomb of marble to the Rev. Nicholas Philips B.C.L. a former rector, d. 1817, and others of that family, 1823-45; a memorial to John Cody, rector, ob. 1485; a monument with effigy, to John Courtney, ob. 1559, and Richard Courtney, ob. 1632, as well as numerous monuments of modern date and some ancient frescoes; the communion plate is kept in an antique pyx of cuir boulli, conjectured to of the 14th century: the church was restored and re-seated in 1864, when an organ was erected: there are 256 sittings: in the churchyard are two fine examples of ancient crosses; one of these is 9 feet high, is incised with a human figure and ornamental work, and has a mutilated head; the other, at the west end, is 10 feet 6 inches high, elaborately worked on each side, and the head consists of a Maltese cross combined with a circle. The register of baptisms dates from the year 1656; marriages, 1754; burials, 1670.

St Benet's for a considerable time a seat of the Courtenays, was restored and repaired in 1854, and is now the residence of Capt. Charles Eldon Serjeant: the house incorporates portions of a reputed monastery of the Benedictine order, and the greater part of the front belonged to the original fabric; the walls are about 4 feet thick, and attached to the south end is a building lighted by a good oriel window displaying the arms of the Courtenay, Arundel and Archer families: to the rear of the main building is an ivy clad tower of granite ashlar, with an arch 20 feet in height; the upper part of the tower, including the battlements and pinnacles and also , it is said, some cloisters, were removed by Mr Grose, a former owner, who built a farm house with the materials.

Links:

• Where is Lanivet ? -  Lanivet Parish Church
• Philimore Parish Index
• Look around the interior of Lanivet Parish Church (Quick Time required) (2.5mb)

 

Author's Notes

The church is open between Easter and October on Tuesdays (2-3) and Friday's (2-4).  This church has some wonderful stained glass windows and a very warm welcome definitely  worth a visit.